The Cavaliers and Celtics reached a mega-deal this past week that involved the likes of Kyrie Irving, Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder, stunning NBA fans, players and staffers across the league. Cleveland initially had little concern about the hip of Isaiah Thomas, an injury that cost the All-Star his season during the first round in April, but those concerns have reportedly become more significant in recent days.
Thomas underwent a physical evaluation in Cleveland on Friday, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Cavs, not convinced Thomas is fully healthy, have reportedly begun considering other options. They can elect to ask for another asset, or choose to void the deal if Thomas failed his physical.
Both teams are set to speak about the deal on Saturday, according to ESPN:
In the aftermath of issues resulting from Isaiah Thomas’ physical examination on Friday, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics are planning a telephone call for Saturday to discuss the status of the teams’ blockbuster trade, league sources told ESPN.
The proposed deal sending Cleveland’s four-time All-Star guard Kyrie Irving to the Celtics for Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and a 2018 first-round pick via Brooklyn has been thrust into uncertainty with medical questions surrounding Thomas’ injured hip, league sources told ESPN.
It is possible that Cleveland could request further compensation from Boston before it’ll approve the trade, league sources said. Cleveland has until Thursday to make a final decision on approving the trade, sources said. Cleveland can veto the deal based on a failed physical, sending players back to their respective teams.
To go along with this report, Wojnarowski also stated that Thomas’ off-season workout has not included running.
Thomas is set to become a free agent on July 1.
